Silvestre told the New York Times: "When I said I wouldn't go to Newcastle because of him, I was surprised by the reaction of people. But for me, it is normal to say what I think. He should not have been allowed to stay in the game for what he did.
"It's hard to make a judgment of someone like Barton, but he needs treatment," Silvestre said. "Now I know I made a good choice by not going there."